The Captain’s Daughter – London Beginnings book 1 by Jennifer Delamere

When a series of circumstances beyond her control leave Rosalyn Bernay alone and penniless in London, she chances upon a job backstage at a theater that is presenting the most popular show in London. A talented musician and singer, she feels immediately at home and soon becomes enthralled with the idea of pursuing a career on the stage.

A hand injury during a skirmish in India has forced Nate Moran out of the army until he recovers. Filling his time at a stable of horses for hire in London, he has also spent the past two months working nights as a stagehand, filling in for his injured brother. Although he’s glad he can help his family through a tough time, he is counting the days until he can rejoin his regiment. London holds bitter memories for him that he is anxious to escape. But then he meets the beautiful woman who has found a new lease on life in the very place Nate can’t wait to leave behind.

Being a bookie (haha, is that a term?…you know, like a “foodie”), it’s easy to enjoy a lot of books you read. However, I think one of the big telling signs of a really engaging story is if the reader would want to read more books if it’s a series. This is book 1 of the London Beginnings series, and there is much left unanswered. I very much would read more of Jennifer’s novels!

So, obviously, I enjoyed the book. Why? I loved how she combined history with fiction. She brought in elements of the theatrical world of the time, a little bit of the military of the time, as well as people such as George Muller [If you’re not familiar with him, I’d suggest reading up on this fascinating man] and Gilbert & Sullivan. A few themes that stood out: People are in dire need of redemption – whether they know it or not [thinking of some of the early-in-the-story events that Rosalyn found herself in]. That God forgives us and doesn’t us us to hold on to guilt. And finally, the hope that can come from new beginnings – they can often be frightening and thrilling, but there is also hope and anticipation.

*Litfuse Publishing provided me with a copy of this book for review purposes. Of course, as always, these are my honest how-I-feel-about-it thoughts.